Firefighters have been battling a major blaze at the former Debenhams building in Canterbury city centre throughout the night, with emergency services first responding shortly after 8.30pm on Monday evening.

The fire, which broke out in the vacant property on Canterbury High Street, initially drew six fire engines to the scene.

The response was later escalated, with eight fire engines and two height vehicles currently deployed to tackle the significant blaze.

A substantial emergency service presence remains at the site this morning as crews continue their efforts to control the fire.

Police have established a cordon between Mercery Lane and Guildhall Street, blocking off a section of Canterbury High Street.

More than 40 firefighters are currently at the scene, operating eight fire engines and two height vehicles to combat the blaze.

The incident has centred on the Guildhall Street property, identified as the former Debenhams unit which had been vacant prior to the fire.

Emergency services maintain a significant presence in the area this morning as they continue their response to the incident.

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Local residents have been urged to keep their windows and doors closed due to significant smoke from the building fire.

A witness described the extent of the smoke, telling Kent Online: "It's very smokey. There's smoke all the way down to The Ivy."

In their latest update at 6am, Kent Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that substantial smoke remains in the area.

The fire service spokesperson said: "Please continue to share this advice with any loved ones who may be affected, but may not have access to the internet."

The initial emergency response included six fire engines and two support vehicles, alongside police units at the scene.

Some nearby residents were evacuated from their homes while fire crews worked to bring the blaze under control.